Marathon Training and Reigate Half

So my next marathon is the Chester marathon. Obviously nothing is a given with my track record for injuries, but I’m hopeful as ever Winking smile

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Ideally I was going to really go for it and aim to get near my PB from Liverpool marathon (3:24:06) but after the hamstring debacle and only recently getting back into some normal running I think it might be wise to just give it my best with no pressures (I think this is my mantra for most races if I’m honest). I don’t want to plod around it easily but I don’t want to kill myself in training or in the race. So we’ll see.

In terms of the details of my training… Well, nothing much will really change compared to previous marathon cycles. Four days of running: one speed session (hills/fartleks/tempos/intervals), one easy run (for mental sanity), parkrun and a long run. Ideally I want to get to 18 miles and do that distance twice.

I also only have one race in the lead-up to the marathon, a half marathon (my second favourite distance to run). A half marathon race is usually quite standard in the lead-up to a marathon so I’m always happy to schedule one in. I’m taking part in the Reigate Half Marathon which is two weeks before Chester (18th September). So, depending on how my training is going, it will be a nice one to blast out some speed or test out my marathon pacing.

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The course is a good one in that it’s one lap of a fully closed route that goes through some nice rural countryside and picturesque country lanes and it’s relatively flat. It’s chip-timed with a technical t-shirt and medal. Yep, sounds good to me!

Intersport Run Reigate organise both a 10k and a half marathon and has raised over £150,000 for charity since 2014 which is pretty fantastic, right? It’s also achieved silver in the UK’s best half marathon category in The 2015 Running Awards. Pretty cool.

I’ll be running as part of the Run Reigate blogger team, which is fairly exciting as you can imagine. The half is about five weeks away which is nice as it means I can continue to get in some good solid training and be more than ready. As part of the blogger team I get a very nice goodie bag to help me with my training which includes:

  • A Fitbit Surge (super excited about this as I’ve previously had a Fitbit but they’ve since hugely upgraded them. I love that it has an in-built HR monitor and gives phone notifications)
  • Brooks running top and shorts
  • Brooks trainers
  • A spa day at Nutfield Priory (including spa treatment, use of facilities / gym / pool / sauna and lunch) – because that’d be very much needed during marathon training!

I also get to write a few blogs over on their blogging page.

This is obviously all amazing in itself but I’m actually really excited to have a half marathon in my diary as I haven’t done one in a while now, and especially one I’ve never done before. I’ll be about three weeks out from Chester so it’ll be really good to see where I’m at with my training and test out things like nutritional decisions (number of gels) and what I’m going to wear (i.e. avoid the dreaded chafe or over-heating).

I’ll continue to keep you guys updated with my training as always and also if you fancy reading my posts over at Run Reigate I’ll let you know when they’re up Open-mouthed smile

What’s your favourite distance to race?

Do you like to plan in certain races as part of your training?

Do you use a fitness tracker?

**Full disclosure: Run Reigate have offered me free entry into the race with the goodie bag in exchange for writing about my training on my blog and their blog. All opinions and training decisions are my own.**

8 Replies to “Marathon Training and Reigate Half”

  1. I’ve just got all ansty about Tallinn half marathon and decided I need a half marathon in training. Next weekend. Or the weekend after. Depending on where N is happy to drive me (I really ought to sort out something I can drive…), as I can’t get there on time by public transport.

    I love a half marathon. I feel like I’ve achieved…. I also love my fitbit. I have an alta – which is just fancy enough!
    Jane recently posted…We are having a barbecueMy Profile

  2. Chester is supposed to be quite a good marathon course to run. I’ve only heard good things about it. Fingers crossed for no injuries before the day!
    That sounds like a super cool blogger package for the race. Love that they threw in a spa day too. I was treated to a spa day and massage after my first Grim 70m as I raced just a few days before getting married. It was so great just to unwind and relax post-race!
    My favourite distance to race is the marathon or ‘mini’ ultra as although I’m not overly fast, I am pretty stubborn and determined. There’s lots of that skill required in the longer distances! I haven’t raced a half marathon in years though. All of the half marathons I’ve run over the past couple of years have been trail, as easy training runs or during the pregnancy. I really want to get a couple booked in next year and see what I can do.
    Mary recently posted…Photographs of a new club trail raceMy Profile

    1. Apparently Chester was voted one of the best marathons in the UK at one point! It looks really good and I’ve heard good things about it.
      I appreciate the finger’s crossed because you know what I’m like! 😉
      Oh yeah a spa day after an ultra would be DIVINE.
      AnnaTheApple recently posted…Training currentlyMy Profile

  3. Ooh a blog team! How exciting! The spa day sounds great, as do the trainers!
    I like a half marathon as it feels tough but the training isn’t draining like marathon training is. Although when I am running one I wish it was 10 miles!
    I like 5 and 10 mile races too, 5 for a race under an hour and not too stressful – no worries about what to eat before, and 10 miles to feel tired but still finished in 2 hours.
    Maria recently posted…A mini Garmin disaster!My Profile

  4. Half marathons are my favourite distance – long enough to feel like a challenge and to want to do an organised race for but easier to fit around life than full marathons! Being on the blogger team sounds awesome! x
    LilyLipstick recently posted…Life: Endless SummerMy Profile

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